World Mental Health Day

This Sunday is World Mental Health Day. It is an internationally recognized day to advocate for mental health awareness and education. On average, 1 in 5 people experience mental illness in a year. It is important to recognize the signs of a mental illness and how to improve your mental health.

The Mayo Clinic states:

Signs and symptoms of mental illness can vary, depending on the disorder, circumstances and other factors. Mental illness symptoms can affect emotions, thoughts and behaviors.

Examples of signs and symptoms include:

• Feeling sad or down
• Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
• Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
• Extreme mood changes of highs and lows
• Withdrawal from friends and activities
• Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping
• Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations
• Inability to cope with daily problems or stress
• Trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people
• Problems with alcohol or drug use
• Major changes in eating habits
• Sex drive changes
• Excessive anger, hostility or violence
• Suicidal thinking

Here are some ways you can improve your mental health:

• Find people you trust who you can talk to (friends, family, therapist, etc.)
• Exercise regularly
• Focus on self-care
• Learn new skills
• Eat well
• Manage stress
• Take care of your physical health
• Get plenty of sleep
• Deep breathing exercises
• Talk to your doctor

By coming together and recognizing World Mental Health Day, we can help end the stigma around mental health. So many people are impacted by a mental illness- it's time we start educating and advocating.